Our Stars

Chapter 7

"Last night was...a night, that's for sure." Claire's voice woke me up.

"Raelynn told me about the kiss." Claire scoffed.

"Yeah. I'm not really sure what that was."

"Well, did it make you feel anything? Or..uh...was it just a 'spur of the moment' thing?" I waited for Claire's response.

"I'm not sure. I don't think it was just because I was upset and needed someone. I'm just scared," she answered.

"Of?"

She sighed. "If I ever even brought up leaving him, he'd go ballistic."

"So call backup. You have Carmen, Raelynn, and me."

"He still would do crazy stuff, even after I left him. There's no doubt in my mind."

"Have you considered telling the police?"

"What? Just so when he gets out of jail, he can come back to hurt me some more? I don't think so."

"Restraining order?"

"He would break it. I've just trapped myself. I really have."

"I'm sorry if I'm being insensitive."

Claire chuckled. "No, you're fine."

"I should probably go wake Raelynn up so you're not bored with me-"

"Let her sleep. Last night was probably really stressful for her."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah. Can I use your shower?"

"Oh, yeah. Go ahead. Towels are in the closet."

"Thanks." I heard Claire walk upstairs, and into the bathroom.

"Raelynn, are you awake?" Noah asked. I decided to pretend to be just waking up. "Raelynn? Claire isn't present, and I want to talk to youuu," Noah sang.

"Why are you singing?"

"And she's alive!"

"Where is Claire?"

"In the shower. Cmon, get up." I got off of the couch and walked into the kitchen.

"What's for breakfast?"

"Raelynn, when are you gonna talk to Claire?"

"You didn't answer my question."

"You're not answering mine."

"I asked first." Noah gave me a look. "I'm not even gonna talk to her, Noah."

"What! You said you would!"

"And then I thought about it. It would just be easier if everyone forgot about it. She's with someone-"

"Someone who hurts her," Noah interrupted.

"And I don't want to make things any more complicated for her. So just drop it," I said with an agitated tone.

"Remember when I said you can't just forget feelings?" I nodded. "This is exactly what I'm talking about. It's gonna hurt you if you don't talk about how you feel with Claire."

"I'm not talking to her about it, end of story."

"Raelynn, you have to."

"I don't have to do anything," I snapped. I sighed. "I'm sorry. I just don't want to make things harder on her."

"Raelynn, you can't just-"

"Noah, stop. I'm done talking." I walked upstairs, making my way to my bedroom. As I was walking into my room, Claire was walking out of the bathroom.